In the bustling Shibuya district of Tokyo, a hidden gem known as the '84' bar has recently opened its doors to a wider audience. Tucked away high up in a multi-story business block, this bar is home to a remarkable collection of rare and unique Nintendo items. However, its address remains a closely guarded secret, adding to its allure and exclusivity.
The '84' bar, owned by Toru Hashimoto, also known as Chokan, was previously a members-only establishment. Chokan, a former Nintendo employee, opened the bar in February 2015. The name '84' holds multiple meanings for him, symbolizing the year he joined Nintendo and his last name, Hashimoto. Additionally, it pays homage to the final level in Super Mario Bros, World 8-4.
A Super Mario Illustration
Inside the '84' bar, visitors can marvel at an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts from the gaming industry. The walls are adorned with illustrations and signatures from renowned game developers, including a signed illustration of Mario eating dinner by Shigeru Miyamoto, the creator of Mario. Other notable pieces include a signed musical score by Koji Kondo, the composer of Mario and Zelda games, and a sketch of Lakitu by Takashi Tezuka, the co-designer of Super Mario Bros.
The bar also houses cabinets filled with Nintendo memorabilia from different eras, ranging from Game & Watch devices to DS Lite consoles. Gaming enthusiasts will find both common and rare items, with one of the most valuable pieces being an unused Famicom cartridge label for the original Super Mario Bros.
A Pikachu Illustration
Due to the pandemic, Chokan made the decision to open the '84' bar to tourists under certain conditions. The '84tour' allows guests to book a 90-minute slot between 12 pm and 3 pm, after which the bar returns to being members-only. For a fee of ¥9,999 yen (around $70), visitors can enjoy a drink and light snacks, and receive an 84 'passport' as a memento.
Chokan initially made the bar exclusive to members due to his shyness. However, with low foot traffic during the pandemic, he contemplated closing the bar. In an effort to allow people from other countries to experience the '84' bar before a potential closure, he came up with the idea of the '84tour'.
Visitors are given a handy sheet explaining who’s behind each piece
While the bar's address remains a secret, Chokan is actively promoting its existence. He trusts that visitors will respect the confidentiality agreement and not disclose the location. The bar's Instagram account showcases Chokan's appreciation for global visitors, featuring photos of him with '84tour' customers and sharing information about their origins.
As the '84' bar opens its doors to a wider audience, Chokan hopes to welcome visitors for a long time to come. While his shyness persists, he has become more comfortable engaging in conversations with strangers. With the success of the '84tour' and the continued secrecy surrounding the bar's location, it is likely to remain a sought-after destination for Nintendo enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Source: VGC